Many players would like to improve their crossing skills, but many coaches struggle with teaching the correct crossing technique. It is a relatively easy skill to learn and will help. And it’s not just for certain players either, any position benefits from being able to cross effectively. Here are some tips on perfecting your crossing technique.
- Running to the ball
Run straight to the ball until you’re a couple of steps away and then cut outside, turning your body into the ball. Imagine that you are running the outline of a half circle. This should leave you facing the ball when you’re ready to put in a cross.
- Optional look up
When under a lot of pressure, don’t feel you have to take a look up as this will delay your cross, allowing a defender to possibly get in the way. Cross into the middle of the box and your forward should be there. If you have plenty of time, then you can take a good look to improve the accuracy of your cross.
- Eye on the ball
What type of cross you do will affect where on the ball you should you’re your eyes. For driving the ball into the air or a ground target, watch the middle of the ball. For additional lift, target the bottom of the ball.
- Foot and body around the ball
Always be sure to wrap your feet and body around the ball in the direction you want it to cross.
- Crossing
Your non-kicking foot should be square with the ball and then kicked at the spot that you’ve identified in step 3. Lift your leg and have good follow-through so the ball gets plenty of lift.
- Rebound
Hopefully, your crosses will end in goal but often they will end in the goalie’s hands, being cleared by defenders or out of bounds. Sometimes the ball will rebound to you, so you need to be prepared to pass. Practice what you’ll do in this situation. For Soccer Training drills, visit https://www.sportplan.net/drills/Football/Crossing-and-Finishing/1-2-and-cross-f110016.jsp
- Crossing to different areas
Crossing to the middle of the box is not always the best location. When you spot a teammate making a run for other areas, aim to cross to them – areas like the back post, near post and top of the box.
- Teammates with strong finishing skills
Everyone on the team has a skill that’s stronger than other skills. Some are great at winning headers, others are fast, but you need to look to the teammate who has great finishing abilities when making your crosses. By doing this consistently, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. However, choosing the teammate in the best position is important, so don’t only ever pass to a particular teammate despite their skill.
